Shuwen shares her experience of attending a Historical Postgraduate Conference at Lancaster University, with the support of the Doctoral College Arts and Humanities Faculty.
On the 13th and 14th of June, I attended the Historical Postgraduate Conference organised by the History Department at Lancaster University.
I spotted a call for papers from our University’s Doctoral Services email. After I browsed the information, I submitted my abstract since this year’s conference theme, “Transcending Boundaries”, was quite suitable for my research topic. I waited for the feedback with mixed mood, given my previous submissions were always rejected by conferences. I was thrilled when I got the email that my submission was accepted! With the support of my supervisor (Dr Carl Kilcourse) and Doctoral College Faculty Head for the Faculty of Arts and Humanities (Dr Anna Bergqvist), I applied for the Doctoral College Arts and Humanities Faculty Research Degree Fund to cover my expenses for transportation and accommodation.
My research topic is Giuseppe Castiglione’s Paintings: The Transmission and Transformation of European Painting Techniques in Eighteenth-Century China. Castiglione grew up and received his art training in Milan. Later, he travelled to China, where he worked both as a missionary and for the emperors of the Qing court. His style blended traditional European painting techniques with Chinese painting techniques, which were well-received in China and influenced successive generations of artists across China. By comparing his paintings with the old masters’ paintings, I identified that he quoted various motifs in European art history in his Chinese paintings. At the same time, we also can detect the historical events that happened between the Qing court and Central Eurasia. As a result of this research project, I have developed expertise in the global exchange of artistic techniques and their transformation across space and time.
With my abstract, I shared the study of Castiglione’s tribute horse paintings. To understand Central Eurasia countries’ motivations for presenting horses, I concluded how and why the Qing army marched against the Dzungar Khanate and the chain reaction in the rest of Central Asia triggered by the destruction of Dzungars. Meanwhile, I analysed the diplomatic relations between the Qing and Central Asia countries by demonstrating political and cultural elements. My presentation was in the afternoon of the first day. The audience was very interested in China’s tribute system, which refreshed my recognition of my research. Besides, I learned about various interesting research topics at this conference, such as ‘Food, drink and misbehaviour in the Durham Priory visitation records, c.1253-1464’ by Toby Donegan-Cross from Durham University and met some new friends.
The Lancaster conference was an excellent first step for me. It was a good opportunity to share my research, get feedback and connect with other researchers beyond Manchester Met. Beyond the above academic benefits, attending the conference helped me to achieve my employment goal. It gave me more confidence to pursue a full-time career in my area.
